Theft-resistant display case for tape cartridges or the like

ABSTRACT

A theft-resistant display case for tape cartridges or the like, comprising: a plurality of elongated, generally rectangular cagelike racks for holding the tape cartridges or cassettes side by side, the cages being formed of metal straps or of plastic with apertures therethrough for viewing indicia on the cartridges. The racks are arranged together in column form with removable rails running between the longitudinal edges of the racks to prevent removal of cartridges transversely out of the racks. The racks have portions arranged to overlap the faces of the cartridges above and below the indicia so as to prevent lifting of the cartridges out of the racks. End caps fit over the ends of the racks and the rails, and are lockable thereon. The display case is rotatable about its longitudinal axis for viewing of the cartridge indicia, while affixed to a suitable surface to prevent removal.

United States Patent 1191 Cuozzo THEFT-RESISTANT DISPLAY CASE FOR TAPE CARTRIDGES OR THE LIKE [76] Inventor: Albert R. Cuozzo, 77 First Ave.,

West Haven, Conn. 06516 [22] Filed: May 24, 1973 [21] Appl. No.: 363,479

Primary Examiner-Donald A. Griffin Attorney, Agent, or Firm Anthony P. Delio 1 July 23, 1974 5 7 ABSTRACT A theft-resistant display case for tape cartridges or the like, comprising: a plurality of elongated, generally rectangular cage-like racks for holding the tape cartridges or cassettes side by side, the cages being formed of metal straps or of plastic with apertures therethrough for viewing indicia on the cartridges. The racks are arranged together in column form with removable rails running between the longitudinal edges of the racks to prevent removal of cartridges transversely out of the racks. The racks have portions arranged to overlap the faces of the cartridges above and below the indicia so as to prevent lifting of the cartridges out of the racks. End caps fit over the ends of the racks and the rails, and are lockable thereon.

The display case is rotatable about its longitudinal axis for viewing of the cartridge indicia, while affixed to a suitable surface to prevent removal.

8 Claims, 10 Drawing Figures PATENIEBJUL231974 3,825,313

SHEET 10F 2 Fig.1. 2/ j THEFT-RESISTANT DISPLAY CASE FOR TAPE CARTRIDGES OR THE LIKE BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION This invention relates to cases for displaying tape cartridges or the like.

Tape cartridges, tape cassettes or the like are universally available for amusement and educational purposes. Because of the great variety of recordings in the form of tape cartridges or cassettes and their relatively small size but substantial value, such tapes are prone to being stolen. The danger is especially great because the customer generally wishes to read the indicia printed on at least one side. This in turn requires that the cassettes or cartridges be readily available at a counter or on display such that the customer can view the indicia. It sometimes happens in a busy store that a customer will ask to read the indicia on one or more cassettes or cartridges and, while the salesmans attention is diverted elsewhere, the cartridges or cassettes will be stolen.

To prevent such thefts, it has been proposed to display tape cartridges or cassettes under glass or in theft proof racks so that the potentional customer can read the indicia thereon but not be able to remove the cartridge or cassette unless assisted by the salesman. To date the display cases for tape cassettes or cartridges have not been suitable for various reasons. For example, the case used for display often is also used for storage of multiples of the same tapes, and inconvenient unlocking of the-case is required for each purchase. Furthermore, in those instances where the case is de signed merely for display rather than for storage, indicia on the cartridge or cassette is obscured by rods, bars or other theft preventing means. In addition, theft resistant display cases have proved to be too inconvenient for viewing a large number of cassettes or the display cases have been too complicated and expensive for use by the small shop owner.

OBJECTS AND SUMMARY Accordingly, an object of the invention is to provide a simple and inexpensive case for displaying tape cartridges, tape cassettes or the like while preventing theft of the same.

Another object is to provide a display case for tape cartridges, tape cassettes or the like in which the indicia on at least one side of the same may be read conveniently and without having to remove the cartridges, cassettes or the like from the case.

These and other objects, features and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the specification which follows.

In summary outline, the display case of the invention is a rotatable column on the outer surface of which are stored in racks the cartridges or cassettes. The racks are each adapted to hold a plurality of the cartridges or cassettes side by side and have portions arranged to overlap the faces of the cartridges or cassettes so as to prevent lifting of the cartridges or cassettes out of the racks. Closure means such as rails are positioned between adjacent longitudinal edges of the racks to normally prevent removal of the cartridges transversely out of the racks. The ends of the column and the rails are covered by end caps which may be locked in place to prevent removal of the cartridges out of the ends of the column forming the display case.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION For a fuller understanding of the nature and objects of the invention, reference is made to the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is an elevational lengthwise view of a display case of the invention, shown mounted on a surface for rotation;

FIG. 2 is an elevational end view of the display case of FIG. 1; I

FIG. 3 is a detailed partly sectional and partly elevational view of portions of one embodiment of display case of the invention;

FIG. 4 is a vertical section along the line 4-4 of FIG.

FIG. 5 is a view from the left end of FIG. 3 after the end cap on the left end of the display case of FIG. 3 has been removed;

FIG. 6 is a vertical section along the line 6-6 of FIG. 3;

FIG. 7 is a detailed partly sectional and partly diagrammatic view of portions of another embodiment of display case of the invention;

FIG. 8 is a vertical section along the line 8-8 of FIG. 7; and

FIGS. 9 and 10 are end diagrammatic views illustrating other geometrical configurations of display cases of the invention.

For purposes of this specification and claims, tape cartridges are referred to-as representative of the objects which may be displayed in the 'cases of the invention, it being understood that the invention is equally applicable to display of tape cassettes or similar items requiring viewing of one face.

With reference to FIGS. 1-6, one embodiment of display case of the invention is constructed of a plurality of elongated, generally rectangular trays or racks 21 arranged with their longitudinal edges in proximity to form a column. While FIGS. 1-8 all illustrate four such racks, it will be evident, as illustrated in FIGS. 9 and 10, that two or more of such racks may be combined to form columns having two, three, four, or more sides. Each rack 21 holds a plurality of cartridges side by side, and the racks are apertured so that the indicia on one side of the cartridges may be viewed through the racks.

A second element of structure of the display cases of the invention is a closure means positioned between adjacent longitudinal edges 'of the racks to normally prevent removal of cartridges transversely'out of the racks. Representative of such closure means, as illustrated, are the L-shaped longitudinal rails 23, further described below.

A third element of structure of the display cases is a pair of end caps 24 which fit over the opposing ends of the column formed by the racks as well as over the ends of the rails 23. The end caps 24 are affixed or locked to the racks so as to prevent removal of the cartridges longitudinally of the racks while the cartridges are on display.

The display case may be mounted on a permanent surface in any suitable manner so as to rotate relative thereto. Rotation is conveniently achieved by mou'nting the display case on a bar 26 which passes through apertures in the end caps 24. The display case thus may be rotated for the purpose of conveniently viewing the indicia on the cartridges 22.

Each rack 21 is formed of a plurality of metal straps 27 mounted laterally of the rack, and a pair of longitudinal straps 28 forming the longitudinal edges of the rack. The straps 28 overlap the face of the cartridges 22 so that the cartridges cannot be lifted coplanarly out of the racks. The metal straps 27 prevent outward splaying of the straps 28 and, if inserted in positions intermediate the ends of the racks, may also serve as dividers between one or more cartridges. Both longitudinal straps 28 may be L-shaped, or any other crosssection, but preferably at least one of the pair is planar so that the cartridges, absent L-shaped rails 23, may be slipped out of the-racks 21 transversely thereof. If the longitudinal rails, 28 are L-shaped so as to cover the corners of the cartridges, the cartridges may be inserted or removed by sliding longitudinally of the racks after removal of other portions of the display cases to be discussed.

The lateral straps 27 thus loop around the cartridges 22. Their ends are affixed to a support plate such as a wall 29 of a box-like enclosure or frame by any suitable means such as by brackets 30. The ends of the racks may be open or, as shown, closed by end plates 31 formed of any suitable material such as wood or metal. The end caps 24 have edges 32 overhanging the end plates 31 and the rails 23 so as to position and confine the racks 21 and rails 23 within the column of the display case.

The end plates 31 conveniently have slots 33 set back a slight distance from each of their corners to receive one of the arms of the L-shaped rails 23. The set-back distance of slots 33 is slightly less than the width of the cartridges 22 so that the end of the rail arm received in the slot will abut the edges of the cartridges contained in the adjacent rack, as most clearly shown in FIG. 4.

dicated in the top portion of FIG. 4, thereby providing sufficient clearance to remove the rails 23.

Any other temporary restraining means suitable for the purpose may be substituted for the pivoting cliplike member 36. Furthermore, since end plates 31 operate primarily as anchoring members for end caps 24, other means may be provided for anchoring the end caps 24 to the racks 21, such as holes drilled directly into the frame of the racks 21 through which are inserted fixtures such as the bolts 35 or the keyed screw lock 34. Accordingly, although they are a convenient mode of construction of the display case of the invention, end plates 31 are not essential elements of structure. Similarly, the bottom walls 29 of the racks 21, although conveniently provided in the form of an elongated box-like frame to which'are affixed the straps 27 and 28 of the rack, are not essential elements of structure since equivalent structure may be provided by straps (in place of straps 27 and 28) which completely encircle the cartridges 22, with suitable connecting means, such as rivets, at points of overlap.'Alth ough in its preferred embodiment, the display case provides for insertion of the cartridges laterally of the length of the racks 21, it will be evident that by suitable modification End plates 31 are affixed to opposing ends of the racks 21 so as to provide a surface or frame for locking the end caps 24 thereto. One of the end caps (left end cap in FIG. 3) may be removably connected to the adjacent end plate 31 by a keyed screw lock 34 or by similar locking means. The other end plate 31 (right end of display case FIG. 3) may be permanently afiixed to end cap 24 by any suitable means such as by one orv more bolts 35.

It will thus be apparent that rails 23, which abut the edges of cartridges 22 contained within racks 21 and thereby confine the cartridges 22 therein, operate as closure means so long as end caps 24 are in place. When either of end caps 24 are removed, the rails 23 may be lifted out of place, thereby permitting insertion or removal of cartridges 22 into or from the racks 21.

When one or both of end caps 24 are removed, it is useful to provide temporary restraining means for the rails 23, such as a cliplike member 36 pivoted at 37 which engages one arm of the L-shaped rails 23 under spring tension, as most clearly shown in FIG. 4. To disengage rails 23 from racks 21 and end plates 31, the clip 36 is pivoted upwardly to the outlined position inv of the straps 27 and 28 forming the cage, the cartridges may be inserted from the ends of the racks 21.

FIGS. 7 and 8 illustrate another embodiment of display case of the invention. With reference thereto, the racks 21 of the embodiment of FIGS. 1-6, formed of overlapping metal straps 27 and 28, is substituted by unitary racks 41 formed of a cast or molded plastic. Racks 41 have closed lower ends 42 and upper open ends to receive cartridges in pockets defined by dividers 43 in the form of side walls or ribs. It will be noted that each of the pockets are apertured for viewing of indicia on one face of cartridges to be received therein.

A rack portion 44 longitudinal of the rack 41 will overlap the faces of the cartridges above and below the indicia, thereby preventing coplanarly lifting of the cartridges out of the racks 41.

As in the embodiment of FIG. 1-6, L-shaped longitudinal rails 23 may be provided in conjunction with slotted end plates 31 to close the upper open ends of the racks 41. However, as illustrated in FIGS. 7' and 8,'it is also convenient to provide as such closure means the U-shaped rails 45, the parallel arms of which are di rected towards the openings in the racks 41. Similarly to the embodiment of FIGS. 1-6, the rails 45 are received in slots 46 positioned in the comers of end plates 47, and the end caps 24 have edges 32 overlapping and enclosing both the rack ends and the rail ends. The end plates 47 serve as anchoring surfaces for the end caps 24. Anchoring may be effected in the same manner as in the first embodiment, such as by a keyed screw lock 34 at one end and bolts (not shown) through the other end cap and end plate. The end caps and end plates may be apertured to receive a rod or bar 26 for rotation of the display case.

In using the display cases of the invention, a single such display case may be anchored to any suitable surface as illustrated in FIG. 1, or multiples of the display cases may be arranged in parallel either horizontally or vertically on walls or in tiered enclosures. It will be evident that the dimensions of the racks may be varied for either side-by-side reading of indicia on the cartridges (in a horizontal display of the cartridges) or for end-toend reading of the indicia (where the display casesare arranged vertically). Since the cartridges are fully enclosed in the racks while at the same time being view able for reading of the label on one face thereof, theft under the usual circumstances is prevented. Nevertheless, if access should be desired to the display case, for substituting other cartridges, an end cap 24 is easily removed by unlocking the screw lock 34. One or more longitudinal rails 23 or 45 are then removable so as to permit access to the cartridges 22 contained within the racks. Accordingly, good eye level viewing of a wide variety of cartridges is permitted, merely by rotating the display case, while at the same time minimizing the possibility of theft.

In view of the foregoing description it will be apparent that the invention is not limited to the specific details set forth therein for the purposes of illustration, and that various other modifications are equivalent for the stated and illustrated functions without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

What is claimed is:

l. A theft-resistant display case for tape cartridges, comprising:

a plurality of elongated, generally rectangular racks each adapted to hold a plurality of said cartridges side by side, said racks having apertures for reading indicia on one face of each cartridge, said racks having portions arranged to overlap said faces above and below said indicia so as to prevent coplanar lifting of said cartridges out of said racks, said racks being arranged together longitudinally so as to form a column;

closure means positioned between adjacent longitudinal edges of said racks to normally prevent removal of said cartridges transversely out of said racks;

end caps capping the ends of said column and said means so at to maintain said means with said racks in said columnar form; and

means for locking said end caps in said capping positions;

said display case being adapted to rotate about its longitudinal axis whereby all of said indicia may be viewed.

2. A display case as in claim 1 wherein said racks comprise cages formed of metal straps affixed to an elongated box-like frame member, said rack portions overlapping said cartridge faces being defined by said straps looping said cartridges, and wherein said closure means comprise removable rails running along one edge of each said cage.

3. A display case as in claim 2 wherein said rails are generally L-shape in cross section, one plane of each said rails being positioned to abut edges of said cartridges exposed through said cage.

4. A display case as in claim 1 wherein said closure means comprise removable rails, and said end caps are slotted to receive .the ends of said rails when said end caps are in capping position on said column.

5. A display case as in claim 1 wherein said racks comprise cages formed of cast or molded plastic, said cages each having a plurality of pockets to receive said cartridges, and wherein said closure means comprise removable rails running along one edge of each said cage.

6. A display case as in claim 5 wherein said rails are generally U-shape in cross section, the generally parallel planes of said rails being directed towards the openings through which the cartridges are received in said pockets, so as normally to close said openings.

7. A display case as in claim 5 including an elongated, box-like frame, said racks being mounted on said frame.

8. A display case as in claim 1 wherein said end caps are centrally apertured to receive a bar for rotation of said case. 

1. A theft-resistant display case for tape cartridges, comprising: a plurality of elongated, generally rectangular racks each adapted to hold a plurality of said cartridges side by side, said racks having apertures for reading indicia on one face of each cartridge, said racks having portions arranged to overlap said faces above and below said indicia so as to prevent coplanar lifting of said cartridges out of said racks, said racks being arranged together longitudinally so as to form a column; closure means positioned between adjacent longitudinal edges of said racks to normally prevent removal of said cartridges transversely out of said racks; end caps capping the ends of said column and said means so at to maintain said means with said racks in said columnar form; and means for locking said end caps in said capping positions; said display case being adapted to rotate about its longitudinal axis whereby all of said indicia may be viewed.
 2. A display case as in claim 1 wherein said racks comprise cages formed of metal straps affixed to an elongated box-like frame member, said rack portions overlapping said cartridge faces being defined by said straps looping said cartridges, and wherein said closure means comprise removable rails running along one edge of each said cage.
 3. A display case as in claim 2 wherein said rails are generally L-shape in cross section, one plane of each said rails being positioned to abut edges of said cartridges exposed through said cage.
 4. A display case as in claim 1 wherein said closure means comprise removable rails, and said end caps are slotted to receive the ends of said rails when said end caps are in capping position on said column.
 5. A display case as in claim 1 wherein said racks comprise cages formed of cast or molded plastic, said cages each having a plurality of pockets to receive said cartridges, and wherein said closure means comprise removable rails running along one edge of each said cage.
 6. A display case as in claim 5 wherein said rails are generally U-shape in cross section, the generally parallel planes of said rails being directed towards the openings through which the cartridges are received in said pockets, so as normally to close said openings.
 7. A display case as in claim 5 including an elongated, box-like frame, said racks being mounted on said frame.
 8. A display case as in claim 1 wherein said end caps are centrally apertured to receive a bar for rotation of said case. 